Russia's public base for London 2012 will be a "family friendly" alcohol-free

The proposed site for Team Russia Park, which would be open to the public for the duration of the Olympic Games, is Perks Field, next to Kensington Palace. 

The land is currently used for football matches, archery and school events and has a helicopter landing pad. Russia plans to turn it into a space where people can support the team.

At a Russian Embassy launch on Thursday evening, officials said they aimed to create "a little piece of Russia in the heart of London," with folk music, traditional food and "true Russian hospitality" - but no vodka. "If people want to drink they will have to go to the big screens in Hyde Park," said Edward Cowell of event management company Eventica.

The focus for the park, which will also have fashion shows, a sports area and screens for Olympic action, is a healthy participation in sport, he said.

Russian athletes past and present will offer masterclasses and families can enjoy a kids zone.

"We would like to increase the number of people who participate in sport and engage in a healthy lifestyle," said Akhmed Bilalov, Vice President of the Russian Olympic Committee.

BLACK ATHLETES among those targeted by New Orleans Saints NFL Coach Payton

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Sean Payton is seeking some relief from the NFL.
The Saints coach has decided to file an appeal on Friday with the league on his season-long suspension for his involvement in New Orleans' bounty system, a person familiar with the decision said.
The appeal will also ask NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for his guidance on the parameters of the suspension, the person told The Associated Press Friday on condition of anonymity because the league and the Saints have not announced Payton's plan to appeal.
Goodell last week announced the suspension of Payton, starting Sunday, for his role in connection with New Orleans' bounty system, which offered improper cash bonuses for big hits that either knocked opponents out of games or left them needing help off of the field.
The commissioner has since said the Saints' coach would be allowed to continue working if he appealed, while the process played out. However, he added that the appeal would be expedited, indicating that Payton would not likely be able to add on much work time should his appeal be upheld.
Goodell also said at NFL meetings this week in Florida that Payton could have some contact with the team but did not go into detail, and Payton indicated that he was still a little unclear about that as well.
With all the uncertainty, Payton is trying to compress as much planning for the 2012 season into whatever time he has left at Saints headquarters this weekend.

In my opinion, Payton should be arrested and prosecuted for "Authorizing" HITS on opposing players. The injuries sustained could have led to "death" or permanent disability. If the league agrees to ANY concessions they should be made to account for their decisions. Let's just say Payton put out "contracts" to "hurt, injure, or cripple" BLACK ATHLETES, as many of those involved would have been. Get Jesse Jackson and the "boys" on this situation. "PAYTON APPROVES ELIMINATING BLACK ATHLETES FROM THE NFL"

my stomaak be itchin

This is interesting, a part of his life history .... I think Virginia Tech should be suspended from the NCAA ...... for just letting Vick enter the university ...

Due to the extreme physical demands and the affects of human aging, the career longevity of NFL players (and most other athletes) is by nature limited to a shorter time than many other occupations. There has been widespread speculation about Vick's physical conditioning and retention of skills after almost two years away from active participation. However, he reportedly has stayed in good physical condition during his federal incarceration, working out and playing basketball. He also did work some physical work as an inmate, earning less than a dollar a day (before taxes).

During his incarceration, Vick's financial condition was rapidly deteriorating due to virtually having no income and substantial ongoing expenses for attorneys, maintaining at least 6 luxury homes in Virginia, Georgia, and Florida, providing living expenses and about 10 vehicles for friends and relatives. With debts millions of dollars in excess of assets, and facing judgments and collection efforts by some of the creditors, his attorneys filed for federal bankruptcy protection under Chapter 13 on his behalf in July 2008.

Vick's Initial Reorganization Plan submitted to the Bankruptcy Court in the Spring of 2009, with his release from federal custody due in about 4 months. The plan relied upon Vick again earning a very substantial income as a professional football player, which he could not assure the court. Testifying on April 3 in Newport News, Vick told the bankruptcy court judge that he believes he can play pro football for another 10 years.[26] His agent, Joel Segal, testified that he hopes to secure Vick a well-paying contract to play football with another NFL team after his suspension is lifted and after the Falcons release him from his current contract to trade it to another team.

Vick wanted to start the bankruptcy plan May 1, 2009, but could only demonstrate a commitment for a construction job paying approximately $20,000 per year arranged by the rector of Virginia Tech, an old friend and long-time supporter. However, his plan, even after divesting many assets, would have required at least $200,000 annually to maintain two of the homes in Virginia, 3 expensive vehicles, and continue to provide a comfortable living for a number of people as he has been, notably his mother, brother, a former girlfriend and their son, and his fiancee and their two children. The plan was rejected by Judge Frank Santoro on April 3, who said the numbers simply didn't work.

He agreed to allow Vick time to plan a much more modest plan. DUH

"Professional" Athletes

I think Arnold Palmer, John Havlicek, Hank Aaron, probably Nicklaus, are the first ones that come to mind, when I think of TRUE professional athletes.

They excel at their sport, their lives are exemplary, they live the life we expect them to live. I would like my "child" to admire them, and be like them.

I think Federrer fits in to this group. Maybe Tiger Woods also, but there are NOT many that fit my "mold."

His victory today, and the way he handled it, put him right up there.

I guess one measure of a true professional, they excel at what they do, we hear of that, but nothing more, their private lives stay private.

Anyone come to your mind?